HONDA'S making a song and dance about its Jazz.
The Fiesta-sized car has already won awards in Japan and sales are very strong in Britain and Europe.
Secret of its success is a very clever packaging design and the first use of a new high efficiency petrol engine.
The platform or floor of the car is a completely new design we will see repeated in other models and which puts the fuel tank under the two front seats, freeing up rear seat and the rear loadbed for optimum carrying capacity.
Owners can choose between a reasonably roomy four-seat interior or have two in the front and a very long and voluminous luggage space behind with the seats folded down. But there is also a third way which sees two front seats and two loading areas sandwiching the upright folded back seats.
This gives maximum versatility and really makes it a small mpv rather than a conventional hatchback and its size and agility will have strong appeal to those who want practicality in a neat package.
And there is no need to compromise on driving quality either.
The new i-DSI engine designed to optimise fuel economy remains very useable with reasonable power output mid-range and a composed character at motorway speed.
The manual gear change is slick and quick with well matched ratios and I liked the feel to the brakes and electrically assisted steering, which worked well.
Secondary controls are easy to use and the instruments clear and simple with efficient air conditioning. Powered windows and mirrors as well as a big glass area, and bright lights aid visibility. I would have preferred a better rear wiper to clear the glass, however.
Oddments and luggage provision is good, room for four very good and the seats surprisingly comfortable despite being a little on the thin side.
The Jazz rides well over nearly all surfaces, except very bumpy tarmac and the short wheelbase could then catch out the wheel travel. Body roll and pitch is well controlled and this little car generally handles very safely with its tendency to run wide on bends quickly and safely corrected.
It has the power to easily keep up with traffic when lightly laden but four up it's harder work and fuel economy is affected.
In all this is a car which does lots of things well and nothing really badly. The Honda Jazz is probably the most versatile of the new super-mini hatchbacks with an excellent powertrain and economy potential ... that has to be music to the ears of many.
FAST FACTS
Honda Jazz 1.4 SE Sport
Price: £11,295
Mechanical: 82bhp, 1,339cc 4cyl engine driving front wheels via 5spd gearbox.
Max Speed: 100mph
0-60mph: 12.5 secs
Combined mpg: 48.7mpg
Insurance Group: Group 3
CO2 emissions: 137 g/km
BiK rating: 15%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 90,000 miles; 6yrs antirust, 3yrs paint.